Unknown to Randolph B. Marcy, October 6, 1861

Colonel MARCY : :

I arrived this morning at this post, traveling all night from Williamsport. It is my duty to inform you that the Potomac is not properly guarded there, as I came across myself, a little below, in a small boat piloted by a negro, unchallenged.

The movements of, troops in Virginia are numerous and uncertain.

“They are expecting an attack and scarcely know where to look for it. They have been strengthening a place called Brentsville, which is approached from Occoquan Creek and also Dumfries.

The arrangements of Beauregard have been materially interfered with by Johnston and also by the authorities in Richmond. «By the orders of the latter, four regiments since last Tuesday have left by rail for Ten_nessee, and the cars up to last night had not returned; and by Johnston’s [order] four regiments (about 2,500 men) have been stationed in the neighborhood of Newtown and Berryville, in the neighborhood of Winchester. Strong pickets are out-north and east of these places. I discovered the sole object of this expedition. It has been represented to Johnston that as soon as the river is low enough 1,200 men could cross at Williamsport, take the First Maryland Regiment prisoners, and obtain supplies of salt and other necessaries for which they are in distress. I feel sure this will be attempted unless provided against.

A council of war was held at Manassas on Thursday and immediately afterwards two general officers left for Richmond. The feeling is prevalent among the troops, and it is said to be shared in by Beauregard, that the present rebel army of the Potomac is not large enough to cope with General McClellan’s forces, whilst Johnston prates of their “invin- ‘cibility.”. The forces at Leesburg have been kept up to nearly 27,000. The troops sent north were taken from positions near Middleburg and Falls Church. = ;

I believe thereis no intention to cross the river except on the Upper Potomac, where they make sure they could recross, before being -interrupted. There is very little ammunition at Leesburg. A messenger was sent there for some for the troops near Winchester; he was told to go farther south, as they had only 24 rounds for each man. Ld

Pardon my suggesting that if the national army advance shortly, and Occoquan Creek could be threatened at the same moment, there would be a general falling back upon. Manassas, and that by a prompt movement via Falls Church, and a simultaneous one on the part of General Stone, the whole force at Leesburg might be captured.

While the rebels are less hopeful about Washington, they are very jubilant at the state of things in Missouri. I was in Richmond one whole day, and whilst there was informed that a message had been received by President Davis from General Price, stating that if 6,000 dis-

; eiplined troops could be sent immediately, he would establish his headquarters in Saint Louis within ten days. :

At my request Colonel Geary telegraphed to you immediately upon my arrival to have a man named Larmour, at Baltimore, arrested. He is expected at Manassas again in a week. He has several times taken

. letters and information, and took letters there with important information just previous to McDowell’s advance.

There are two men now in Baltimore or Washington who have left Manassas on “spying” expeditions ; one is named Maddox; he belongs

” to Loudoun County; was once a medical student at Jefferson College, Philadelphia; said to be a very smart fellow. I should have come to . Washington, but these men may have seen me when there ten days ago;

and as I hope to be of some good service in the future, I had better not

The troops are getting impatient; many of the Georgians openly expressing their desire to go home. They have not been paid and their clothes are getting very shabby- É

The batteries at Leesburg I ascertained have not been touched.

Should anything occur you will haveinformation. At Martinsburg yesterday morning I found two Eastern men, carpenters, who lodge at the house of Mrs. Cushwa, a good Union woman; they both evinced a strong desire to risk their lives for their country ; one of them has gone to Leesburg under the pretense of getting employment, and will communicate with the other every movement. oe

I propose, after I hear from you, to go quickly, which I can easily do, to Richmond, via Winchester, Strasburg, and Manassas, and report at Louisville, to you through General Anderson. I think you will see the importance of this in view of recent movements. I also fear to lie about there too long at atime. I have a splendid foothold, if I can only maintain it till something of importance occurs; and if you desire it, I will remain about the neighborhood of Manassas. I shall await your orders. by telegraph.

The expected attack upon the coast is exciting a great deal of feeling, and should it come in Georgia or Louisiana, I believe hundreds of the army here, under pretense of going to the rescue, would go to swear allegiance to the United States.

Will you please authorize Major-General Banks to pay me what you think I am entitled to for sixteen days’ services andsrisk.* =

Should I think of any other point I will send it on.

With great respect, I am, your obedient servant,